Windows 10X OS for Dual-Screen Devices Announced, Releases in 2020: Key Features

Microsoft on Tuesday unveiled the Windows 10X operating system at its Surface event in New York. The new operating system is designed specifically for dual-screen foldable devices. It will debut on the products like the Surface Neo that was launched alongside Windows 10X, and also devices from brands like Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Features on the new Windows 10X operating system include a brand new Start menu that is devoid of the Live Tiles seen on desktops with the latest software.

The Redmond giant says that Windows 10X has been designed and optimised for dual screen devices. Windows 10X is inspired heavily by smartphone and tablet interfaces, and has a UI that comes with a home screen on one display, while apps, websites and search bar are shown on the other screen. Showing off Windows 10X on the Surface Neo, the company says that an app can be opened by a simple tap, and it can be expanded on both the screens, or be used on just one screen as well. The app reflows on both screens and optimises itself to suit the new expanded display area.

The biggest difference is the Start menu that essentially now holds a list of recent documents, pinned apps, and a search bar. It looks more like a task launcher than what is available on desktops these days. The Windows 10 staple Live Tiles feature which offers animated flipping icon graphics in Start menu, is being scrapped completely in Windows 10X.

The company says that Windows 10X will release in the fall of 2020, and that the first devices to launch with the new software will be powered by Intel processors. In its blog post, Microsoft details, “Windows 10X is designed for new dual-screen PCs and not as an OS upgrade if you already own a PC. We'll also be engaging with our app developer ecosystem as Windows 10X presents unique opportunities for them to enrich their experiences with dual-screen PCs. We'll have more to share on that in the coming months.”